be fit to feature in their final two Euro 2016 qualifying
matches.
Mario Mandzukic has been ruled out of Croatia's Euro 2016
qualifying fixtures with Bulgaria and Malta due to a hamstring
injury.
Ante Cacic's men sit four behind leaders Italy and two back
from second-placed Norway in third position in Group H. They
will be looking for six points from their final two matches in
order to avoid a potential play-off tie.
Mandzukic, 29, who has scored once in eight appearances
during the qualification campaign, will not be able to assist his
nation after the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) confirmed
his injury.
"Unfortunately, he has picked up a hamstring injury. Today
[Wednesday], we have reviewed it and conducted an ultrasound
and according to the finding he will not be able to play in these
two games," explained national team doctor Boris Nemec in a
statement on the official HNS website.
"I think he needs another two weeks to begin full training, with a
high percentage of certainty that there will not be a relapse.
"Of course, he was not happy with such news, but his health has
to come first."
Croatia host Bulgaria in their penultimate fixture on Saturday
before travelling to Malta for their final group match three days
later.
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